The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

The Commission also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to assume the position of national chairman through legal action.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said it would suspend recognition of all contending factions and refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by the party until the matter is resolved.

The decision follows the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive case before the Federal High Court.

INEC emphasised its commitment to neutrality, urging political stakeholders to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The Commission confirmed receiving correspondence from legal representatives of the opposing factions. One letter, dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co., cautioned against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman. Another, from Summit Law Chambers representing Gombe, demanded that INEC cease recognition of Mark and Aregbesola and remove their names from its records.

The dispute stems from conflicting claims over the leadership of the party following the reported resignation of the Ralph Okey Nwosu-led executive in July 2025. While the Mark-led National Working Committee asserts legitimacy, Gombe, who claims to be the only remaining National Vice Chairman, argues he should automatically assume leadership.

Gombe subsequently filed a suit seeking to restrain the Mark-led faction from presenting themselves as party leaders.

INEC noted that the names of the current National Working Committee, led by Mark, were uploaded to its portal on September 9, 2025—after the legal action had already been initiated. In compliance with the appellate court’s directive to preserve the status quo ante bellum, the Commission has now removed those names pending the court’s final decision.

The Commission added that it would not engage with any faction or process related to the party’s affairs, including meetings, congresses, or conventions, until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment.